Ganges River Dolphin

The Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)

The last week or two we have been having daily sightings of 1-2 dolphins in the river directly behind the Elephant Breeding Centre, just a 5 minute walk from our lodge. All you need to do is sit by the bank in silence and you will hear the sound of the animal breathing as it breaks the surface. With time and patience you will also see the head and long peak break the surface. So if you would like to see this species along with many other impressive animals come and join us and we will connect you with as many as possible! 

     

The Dolphin viewpoint just a 5 min' walk from our lodge, where you can see Dolphins feeding right at your feet

Here is some information about this rare and beautiful species:

The Ganges River dolphin inhabits the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, India, and Bangladesh. This vast area has been altered by the construction of more than 50 dams and other irrigation-related projects, with dire consequences for the river dolphins.

The Ganges River dolphin lives in one of the world's most densely populated areas, and is threatened by removal of river water and siltation arising from deforestation, pollution and entanglement in fisheries nets. In addition, alterations to the river due to barrages are also separating populations.

This fresh water dolphin, up to eight feet in length, is found here locally in the Karnali River. It surfaces to breathe about once a minute. The jaws of this almost sightless animal are adapted for browsing on bottom living crustaceans. 

A long thin snout, rounded belly, stocky body and large flippers are characteristics of the Ganges River dolphin. Although its eye lacks a lens (this species is also referred to as the "blind dolphin"), the dolphin still uses its eye to locate itself. The species has a slit similar to a blowhole on the top of the head, which acts as a nostril.

Ganges River Dolphin photographed at the view point last week (08/02/2019)

The dolphin has the peculiarity of swimming on one side so that its flipper trails the muddy bottom. This behaviour is understood to help it to find food.

Females are larger than males and attain a maximum size of 2.67 m. Males are about 2.12 m.

The colour of the dolphin is greyish brown. The calves and young ones are dark in colour but as the animal grows in size, their colour lightens.

Today the population has a much reduced range, and is divided by dams into isolated groups. The lowest estimate for the total population is 1,200–1,800 individuals.

Although the population size has decreased compared to historical levels, it is still considered to be large enough to sustain the species in the future if adequate conservation measures are taken soon.